Etymology and Marriage

One of the challenges in living 58 years as somewhat of a ‘public figure’ who uses words—both in oral presentation and written word— is the way culture and society change the meaning of words.  

Take for instance the word ‘Shut-up.’

In 58 years here the etymology of ‘shut-up.’

1. Shut-up was initially a word/phrase that was used as a bold, in your face, rude, and aggressive comment.  It was basically the rude way of saying ‘please be quiet.’  As a matter of fact I wasn’t actually allowed to say ‘shut-up’—at least not in the perimeter of my mother. 
2. Shut up was later moved to a more pleasant level of asking someone to be quiet.  Shut-up became more socially acceptable.  In certain times—it was okay to say: ‘Shut-up.’  I have even used the word in public speaking.
3. Shut up, recently has morphed into an exclamation statement.  So, if you tell your buddy something like this: “Hey man, I just won the lottery and got a million dollars in my bank account!”  Your buddy responds with “Shut-up!”  This does not mean ‘please be quiet’—it means ‘No way”  “Wow!” “You’re kidding”

As a person who uses words daily and in a public arena there is an issue that I need to get on the table.  Here it is:   Biblical/Theological definitions are words that are unique and need to be set in a different place.  Biblical/Theological definitions are two things: 

1. Timeless.  In other words Biblical/Theological definitions mean the same thing now as when they were originally use in the Bible.  The Biblical definitions have to be timeless definitions.  They cannot be changing because you will end up with a fluidity of truth.  Truth by nature is consistent and eternal.  Truth is timeless because it is based on—arising out of— the unchanging, eternal presence, person and character of God.  
2. Biblical/Theological  definitions are culturally transformative.   They are words that transform ANY and ALL culture.  Biblical/Theological definitions are not impacted by culture—rather they impact culture.  

So, for instance—the Biblical/Theological definition of justification is defined by Paul in the book of Romans—not by any government, university, or people group in the year 1019 or 2015.  The definition has not changed—there is no etymology of the Biblical term justification.  

All of this leads me to a social oxymoron that we are now being confronted with on a rather regular basis.  We are asked if we ‘support’, or ‘believe in’, or ‘would you perform’ a same-sex marriage, a gay-marriage?

Here is the problem with the question;  It assumes the etymology of marriage.  This is an issue because marriage has a Biblical/Theological definition.  Using the Biblical/Theological definition of marriage a same-sex marriage is an oxymoron.   Marriage has a Biblical definition  which requires at least three things:

(see initial definition  Genesis 2:21-25 etc.)

1. A marriage by definition requires one man (a leaving)
2. A marriage by definition requires one woman (a leaving)
3. A marriage by definition requires a covenantal blessing (a cleaving)

This is how the Bible DEFINES marriage.  

Anything, any relationship, any sexual expression outside of the three components is an aberration or distortion of marriage.  The ‘list’ of sexual deviations as noted in the Bible are as follows:  

1.  Practising Adultery: unlawful sexual intercourse, as a married person with someone other than your spouse (Ex 20:14; Heb 13:4)

2.  Practising Fornication: unlawful sexual intercourse PRIOR to marriage (Eph 5:3; Jude 7)

3.  Practising Polygamy: having more than one wife (Simply by definition of Marriage   plus Titus 1:6 etc)

4.  Practising same sex relations : performing sexual relations with someone of the same sex (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:9-10)

5.  Practising Beastiality: having sexual relationship with an animal (Ex 22:19)

6.  Practising Sinful sexual actions such as:   impurity, orgies, prostitution, lust, incest, obscenity (Romans 13:13;  Gal 5:19)

Truth demands that Biblical/Theological definition be protected from cultural manipulations.  So, no—there is no such thing as a same-sex marriage.  It is an oxymoron that contradicts marriage by Biblical definition (and that is the definition I choose to hold).  

Biblical marriage does not shun, depress, or suppress  sexuality.  Biblical marriage celebrates sexuality within the confines of a holy marriage.  Sex is a God idea—given in marriage for procreation of children, bonding of souls, and pure enjoyment!  Sex—God’s way—leads to fulfillment, joy, and pleasure in marriage!   

Listen to NT Wright on this subject